EAST TEXAS LIGHTHOUSE FOR THE BLIND
East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Created in 1976 to serve the needs of the blind and visually impaired, the mission of The Lighthouse is to empower blind Americans through rehabilitation, education, training, and employment leading to a fully independent lifestyle. To accomplish that, The Lighthouse offers a wide range of programs and services through Client Services and Horizon Industries.
THE LIGHTHOUSE CLIENT SERVICES
is located at 411 W. Front St. in Tyler and provides rehabilitation, education, training and employment services. The 8,000 sq. ft. facility includes a independent living training apartment, fully equipped computer labs, and low vision store.
HORIZON INDUSTRIES
occupies a 92,000 sq. ft. facility at 500 N. Bois D’ Arc in Tyler and is one of the largest converters of industrial wiping towels & paracord for the US government. They are the largest employer of people with visual impairments in East Texas.
MEET THE CLIENT SERVICES TEAM
Amy has been with The Lighthouse since 2015 and in the field of office administration for 10 years. Her experience in customer service, medical billing, and marketing make her a dynamic asset to our team. Amy most enjoys making a difference in the lives of those who are new to losing their sight and providing them with the training and resources to maintain their independence. She says meeting new and amazing people every day is the best part of the job.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading, being active in her church and spending quality time with her family.
In her spare time, Amy enjoys reading, being active in her church and spending quality time with her family.
Jim has worked at Client Services since 2018. Jim is the first person you will meet at ETLB and is crucial in helping make sure that Clients get connected to the services they need. Jim also assists ETLB with creating marketing tools and is our resident photographer.
In his spare time, Jim takes photographs for Whitehouse Independent School District, is an avid bike rider, and enjoys spending time with his family.
In his spare time, Jim takes photographs for Whitehouse Independent School District, is an avid bike rider, and enjoys spending time with his family.
Shirley is the newest member of The Lighthouse team and is responsible for the day to day management of clients. Shirley holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education and a Community Health Worker License from Jarvis Christian College. Shirley has over 10 plus years of case management experience, working with agencies around the East Texas Area. She takes pride in building a positive rapport with her clients and especially enjoys working with individuals to overcome challenges to become fully independent. When not working, Shirley enjoys karaoke with friends, going to church, and being involved in her 2 sons’ sports activities.
Craig has been with East Texas Lighthouse for the blind since 2011, working in Inventory Control as the Inventory Planner at Horizon Industries. His experience includes 25 years in management working with Brookshire’s & HEB grocery companies as well as owning and managing his own floor covering store. Craig started working for Client Services in 2016 and enjoys having the opportunity to assist clients and the potential to change their lives through empowerment. Craig loves meeting new people and runs The Lighthouse’s multiple outreach programs.
In his spare time, Craig enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his grandson.
In his spare time, Craig enjoys music, sports, and spending time with his grandson.
Jack has been with The Lighthouse since ’95. He has 10 years of experience in Information Technology and has been focused on Adaptive Equipment for the past 3 years at Client Services. Jack’s experience in IT and quality control at Horizon Industries are valuable in his current position. Jack says the ability to help people regain their freedom and independence is what he values most about his career.
In his spare time, Jack enjoys running, ham radio, and camping. He volunteers his time with Boys Scouts and church.
In his spare time, Jack enjoys running, ham radio, and camping. He volunteers his time with Boys Scouts and church.
Jan joined The Lighthouse in 2011 and has worked with individuals who are blind for the past 40 years. Her certifications include, A+ (IT certification), MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer), Microsoft Office Specialist Master, JAWS & ZoomText. She teaches Microsoft Office for Suite 2010, 2013, 2016 and manages all Assistive Technology training. She is driven by the way computer training empowers people to reach their goals.
In her spare time, Jan enjoys board games and his currently volunteering as a Jr. High Sunday School teacher for girls and has traveled overseas providing low vision evaluations.
In her spare time, Jan enjoys board games and his currently volunteering as a Jr. High Sunday School teacher for girls and has traveled overseas providing low vision evaluations.
Zahia has been with The Lighthouse since 2011 and has been an Assistive Technology Instructor for 13 years. She holds a Bachelor of Art degree in History. Zahia is a certified Assistive Technology trainer through Lions World Services for the Blind and is Master Level Certified in Microsoft Office Suite (2010, 2014). Her background and drive make for an excellent instructor in the field of technology. Zahia most enjoys the ability to provide technology training to better a person’s skills set and overall quality of life.
In her spare time, Zahia enjoys reading magazines, listening to news stories and traveling.
In her spare time, Zahia enjoys reading magazines, listening to news stories and traveling.
Brittney joined The Lighthouse team in early 2020 as an Apprentice for the Technology Department. Brittney graduated with a Bachelor’s in History and has extensive knowledge of adaptive technology used by the blind and visually impaired. Brittney enjoys teaching students and thrives on increasing her knowledge to better teach and empower the blind and visually impaired.
In her spare time, Brittney enjoys being with family and spending time with her dog, Holly.
In her spare time, Brittney enjoys being with family and spending time with her dog, Holly.
Jarrett Gist is an Orientation and Mobility Specialist at the East Texas Lighthouse for the Blind. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Blind Rehabilitation, and a M.Ed. degree in Special Education from Stephen F. Austin State University, Nacogdoches, Texas. He is a Certified Orientation and Mobility Specialist through the Academy for Certification of Vision Rehabilitation and Education Professionals and member of the Association for Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Jarrett has over 10 years of experience as a blind rehabilitation professional. In his spare time, he enjoys coaching youth soccer, weightlifting, running and gardening.
Cathy has been with The Lighthouse since 2009. Cathy is a retired educator with a Master’s degree in Education. In addition, she has a certificate from Criss Cole Rehabilitation Center in Austin, TX and she won the Justin Dart Award in 2013. She is passionate about helping others toward a life of independence through hands-on instruction. She also provides small group sensitivity training for sighted individuals.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoys reading and traveling. Cathy volunteers her time providing reviews of audio books for the Tyler Public Library.
In her spare time, Cathy enjoys reading and traveling. Cathy volunteers her time providing reviews of audio books for the Tyler Public Library.
Ann Phillips has been with The Lighthouse since 2011; in Education for 39 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Education, Master’s degree in Educational Technology, certifications in Elementary Education, VI Teaching & Orientation and Mobility. Ann won the TAER Bob Bryant/Bill Bryan Leadership Award (2015) and The Lighthouse Sighted Worker of the Year (2014). Ann loves the relationships she can develop with students, families and co-workers.
In her spare time, Ann enjoys taking photographs, live music, caring for her pets and volunteers by making blessing bags for the homeless.
In her spare time, Ann enjoys taking photographs, live music, caring for her pets and volunteers by making blessing bags for the homeless.
Gene has been with The Lighthouse since 2015. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and 45 years of experience in career positions requiring extended periods of time driving, including the USMC, U.S. Postal Service and as a Police Officer. He received a 30 year safe driver award from the U.S. Postal Service and earned 2 commendations for apprehending criminals in the act from the Tyler P.D. Gene most enjoys the “people aspect” of his job at The Lighthouse.
In his spare time, Gene enjoys doing yard work and spending quality time with his family.
In his spare time, Gene enjoys doing yard work and spending quality time with his family.